Got a royalties statement from Ingram Spark. Sold 5 books. That knocked what I still owe them for TWO returned books to a touch over $18USD. Seriously people, don't order books from an indie author then cancel the order or return them. We get charged back for the full price of printing the book and shipping, which is far more than royalties per book.

I'd hate to have to go back in and change my books to NO RETURN, because that makes them less likely to be offered by book sellers. I already off book sellers wholesale discounts to encourage them carrying my books, which severely reduces my royalties.

May I ask how the system works? You found a publisher. You write a book about anything? They decide if it's worthy? You "give" them the book (free)? They print some and then advertise it? They keep all the money ($9 ish) - but give you a small chunk fur each one sold? How many have you sold? How many review stars you have?

I currently self-publish. I use Ingram Spark as my printer for print-on-demand. By my choice to get my titles offered through more retailers, I offer them at a wholesale discount with the permission to return canceled or damaged orders. I also offer direct sales through the printer (a relatively new process, which nets me a larger return per book).

However, part of the agreement is that returns are charged back to the author/publisher along with shipping in the US. Overseas returns are destroyed but still cost me money. This gets deducted from my payments for books sold rather than billed to me. Because of the discount, I get very small payments per book, meaning I have to sell several to recoup

from one return.

I make more per book with the direct from printer sales or personal sales at conventions.